Top 10 Natural Foods that Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bone’s quality and density are reduced rapidly. In this medical condition, the bones become more fragile and brittle, and the chance of fracture is immensely enhanced. The bones become weaker because they rapidly lose density. Asian and White women above the age of 40-45 are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis. Various other risk factors for osteoporosis include personal and family history, type of body and gender. Yoga is an effective way to get rid of body aches related to osteoporosis which also helps in strengthening the bones.

CAUSES OF OSTEOPOROSIS 

There are several causes of osteoporosis. Here we have pointed out a few common causes.

• Calcium and phosphorous are the two main components of bones and Calcium is a nutrient that helps bones remain strong. Our muscles, heart and nerves need calcium to function properly. Deficiency of calcium can lead to osteoporosis.
• Vitamin D helps to protect the bones and it also immensely helps to absorb calcium. Everyone needs Vitamin D to keep their bones healthy and strong. Deficiency of vitamin D is another cause of osteoporosis.
• A Sedentary Lifestyle increases the chance of osteoporosis. A Sedentary Lifestyle is described as a kind of lifestyle in which a person leads a completely activity less life. Therefore, it is recommended to do easy weight loss exercises for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
• Lower levels of estrogen among women enhance the chances of osteoporosis. Estrogen plays a pivotal role in the regulation of strength and mass of bone by controlling functions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts.
• Cigarette smoke regulates free radicals that can cause death or damage to a cell. The presence of toxins in cigarettes lowers the levels of estrogen that bones need to remain healthy and strong.
• Low testosterone level among men can cause osteoporosis. Testosterone initiates bone mineralization and reduces the chance of bone restoration.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that does not show any evident signs or symptom until the diseased has progressed considerably, causing bone fractures.

• Osteoporosis is causes osteoporotic fractures and the symptoms include excruciating pain at the location of the fracture.
• Fracture of the spine or vertebra causes severe radiating pain that springs from the back to the sides of the body.

• Repeated spinal fractures over the years can lead to chronic lower back pain.
• Erosion of the bones and curving of the spine due to vertebrae collapse leads to loss of height.
• The collapse of the vertebrae also leads to development of a hunched-back in elderly women that is known as the “Dowager Hump”.
• A fracture that takes place during the normal course of events is known as minimal trauma or stress fracture.
• Hip fractures in case of osteoporosis occur even as a result of trivial slip and fall accidents. It takes a lot of time for the hip fractures to heal because of slow healing of bones.

Deadly Consequences of Osteoporosis

Osteoporotic fractures are not only responsible for great pain and loss of mobility, but also other fatal consequences.

• A person suffering from osteoporosis has a decreased quality of life because a lot of working days are lost due to increasing disabilities caused by fractures.
• In case of hip fractures, even after surgeries, it requires prolonged nursing-home care for the patients to recover completely.

• Elderly patients suffering from fatal fractures have the risk of developing pneumonia and blood clots in the veins of the legs due to prolonged bed rest.
• Osteoporosis is also linked to an increased risk of death and people with hip fractures have the risk of dying in the subsequent years as an indirect result of the fracture.
• A person, who has suffered a spine fracture due to osteoporosis, is more likely to suffer other such fractures in near future.

10 Natural Foods to Prevent Osteoporosis

There are several osteoporosis symptoms like pain, bone fracture and height loss. According to researchers, the following foods help in preventing osteoporosis and relieving the painful symptoms.

Fish

Fish is a rich source of calcium, and a perfect osteoporosis diet should include fish. The list of calcium rich fishes includes sardines and canned salmon. Their tiny bones are one of the greatest sources of calcium. Calcium is important for bone health as it helps bones remain healthy and strong.

Calcium is important for maintaining the levels of bone mass, and it also helps to maintain the structure of the body. Various vegetarian sources of calcium include oranges, sesame seeds, almonds, kale, Blackstrap Molasses and white beans.

Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the most noted foods that help to reduce the problems of osteoporosis. It is derived from milk, and it is a great source of animal protein and several other nutrients such as Vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, Vitamin D, magnesium and Vitamin B12. During menopause, the decreased level of estrogen can cause bone loss and to ensure bone health the body primarily needs Vitamin D and calcium.

Probiotics in yogurt help to keep the intestinal tract and the gut free of disease, and it also boosts the immune power.  Yogurt prevents colon cancer, and it also helps to reduce the high blood pressure, vaginal infection and improves the problems of constipation, diarrhea.

Milk

Regular drinking of milk helps to reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis. Milk and dairy products are foods rich in calcium, protein, carbohydrate, fat, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin E , folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Milk is one of the glowing skin home remedies that helps to prevent premature aging, remove stains on the face, make the face look more radiant, lower allergic skin reaction, heal wounds, nourish and soften the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium in the body and it also effectively prevents osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, depression, hypertension, muscle pain and cancer. It is essential for bone health and also boosts the immune system.

Eggs

An ideal diet for osteoporosis should include eggs. Eggs are rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, calcium, folate, phosphorous and selenium. Eggs are one of the best natural sources of protein that protect our bones and promote healthy hair and nails. Vitamin D controls the genes involved in making estrogen. Estrogen is one of the main sexual hormones that aid sexual and reproductive development in women.

Phosphorous is an important component for the making of healthy bones, and the density of bones is build up by phosphorous and calcium. Various other health benefits of phosphorous include improved digestion, protein formation and strong bone formation. Several natural sources of phosphorous include nuts, cheese, fish, beef, soya foods, beans and lentils.

Cabbage

There are various types of cabbages like cannonball cabbage, bok choy, choy sum, early jersey wakefield cabbage, January king cabbage, napa cabbage, Portugal cabbage, red drumhead cabbage, savoy cabbage, walking stick cabbage and winningstadt cabbage. So you can see that you are spoilt for choice. Cabbage is one of the best foods for osteoporosis as it ensures strong and healthy bones.

Cabbage is a source of fiber, vitamin B6, Vitamin D, folate along with some of the essential minerals for the body such as manganese, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium for strong bones and potassium that helps to reduce high blood pressure. Rich in Vitamin K, cabbage also helps the process of bone metabolism and prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

Bananas

Banana is one of the effective foods to prevent osteoporosis. Regular eating of banana helps the body to absorb calcium and other essential nutrients that ensure healthy bones. Bananas are loaded with Vitamin A, C and E, natural oils, carbohydrates, potassium, zinc and iron. Bananas protect against cancer, prevent hangovers, diabetes, lower depressions and relieve morning sickness.

The presence of magnesium regulates the development of bone structures. It lowers the level of high blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular disease. Various other sources of magnesium include beans, lentils, fish, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, avocado and whole grains. Banana is also an amazing fruit with potent hair and skin benefits and the use of banana face mask for oily skin is well known.

Beans

High in Vitamin D, calcium, fiber and antioxidants, beans and lentils are the best foods for osteoporosis. Folate plays an important role in the development of red blood cells. It is necessary for carrying out many bodily functions like bone repair and bone maintenance, DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, the formation of leukocytes and erythrocytes.

Inclusion of fiber-rich beans and lentils in the daily diet might be the answer to the question of how to overcome obesity. It also prevents various cancers including colon cancer as well as heart disease. The presence of antioxidants helps to protect cells from free radicals.

Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits like apples, oranges, cherries, strawberries and vegetables like beets, red peppers, red potatoes aid in the reduction of osteoporosis symptoms. They are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, magnesium and phosphorous. Vitamin C can slow down the process of bone loss and regulate greater bone mass. It also lowers the rates of fractures.

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, slowing down the rate of free radical damage, and it is the key to avoiding scurvy. Therefore, increase the consumptions of fruits and vegetables to lose weight in a healthy way and fortify your bones.

Almond

Almond is an oval nutlike seed of the almond tree, growing in a woody shell. It is widely used as food and for oil extraction. It is a good source of manganese, Vitamin E, biotin, copper and riboflavin. It promotes healthy bones and also increases bone density. Almonds are an inseparable part of the osteoporosis diet plan.

Various other health benefits of almonds include the reduction of the chance of heart attack, lowering cholesterol level, protecting artery walls from damage, providing healthy fats. It also aids in good brain function by nourishing the nervous system and reduces the chance of cancer, especially colon cancer. The benefits of almond milk for skin make it a popular ingredient in skin care products.

Bengal Gram Sprouts (Chola)

When it comes to sprouts health benefits, the pros are numerous. It is a great source of dietary fiber, thiamin, copper, iron, manganese and phosphorus and Vitamin D. It prevents osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, anemia and arthritis and reduces the chances of heart disease and digestive problems. It does not contain any cholesterol. Sprouts are great for weight loss. Each cup of Bengal gram sprouts has 45 grams of carbohydrates that are about 65% of the total calorie content of the legume. Vitamin D helps the process of bone metabolism. The best Vitamin D food sources include oily fish, cod liver oil, mushrooms, tofu, dairy products and caviar.

Osteoporosis has major impacts on one’s social, emotional and personal life. Include the above-mentioned foods in your diet to fight osteoporosis and follow the natural ways to prevent osteoporosis and don’t forget to share your health tips with us.

Amazing Benefits of Herbs and Spices – Health From Kitchen

Grandmothers make use of different kind of spices and herbs when they used to cook. They knew that these spices are used not just for the sake of flavor, but also for their medicinal values. There are amazing benefits of herbs and spices which act like natural healers. Herbs and spices contain all the nutrients and essential mineral required for human body. They contain phytochemicals and antioxidants. Herbs and spices includes curing of various diseases. Most of them use these spices and herbs as simple home remedies to cure blood pressure, cold, flu, cough and other infections. The point is they are simple, yet works like a charm. To cure any kind of infection, it is always better to go with the natural products than consuming pills.

AMAZING BENEFITS OF HERBS AND SPICES

Most of the spices and herbs are found in every kitchen. We always appreciate them for its taste and flavor. But most of us are not aware of the amazing benefits of herbs and spices.

Black Pepper

Black Pepper is a spice which belongs to the family of Piperaceae. Black pepper is made out of a fruit known as Peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice. Black pepper is one of the best home remedy, and is known for its anti-bacterial properties. Pepper consists of a chemical called Piperine, which acts as a thermogenic compound and enhances the absorption of various nutrients like selenium, beta-carotene, Vitamin B etc. in the body.

Benefits

1. Treats insect bites
2. Relieves from sore throat
3. Cures constipation and diarrhea
4. Reduces liver and lung problems

Cloves

Cloves are one of the most common flavoring agents, which belong to the family of Myrtaceae. They are the aromatic dried flower buds. Cloves are one of the best stimulants which is known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and vaso-relaxing properties. Cloves are high in minerals like sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, Vitamin A etc. Clove oil is always used as effective local anaesthetics.

Benefits

1. Relieves toothaches
2. Reduces cough, asthma, bronchitis
3. Reduces stress
4. Reduces infections, wounds and insect bites.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice which is extracted from the inner bark of various trees. This spice is often added to both savory foods and sweets due to its strong flavor and taste. A mere teaspoon of cinnamon contains calcium, iron, manganese etc. Cinnamon is the most common spice which is known for its medicinal properties.

Benefits

1. Controls blood sugar levels
2. Reduces digestive problems
3. Improves brain function
4. Slows spoiling of food

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is one of the best herbal remedy and it belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It can be used as a spice, vegetable or herb. Fenugreek is best known for its herbal and medicinal values. They contain protein, niacin, phosphorous, potassium etc.

Benefits

1. Soothes gastrointestinal inflammation
2. Lowers blood cholesterol levels
3. Natural medicine for diabetes
4. Reduces fever

Ginger

Ginger root is one of the best and healthy spices and belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae. It can be consumed as a spice or a medicine. This is considered to be a wonder spice as it used on a regular basis and possesses lot of medicinal properties. Ginger is a digestion friendly spice. This spice contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits

1. Reduces sore throat, cold and cough
2.  Relieves gastric trouble
3. Helps to overcome nausea
4. Enhances absorption of nutrients and minerals

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most potent medicinal plants and belongs to Zingiberaceae family. This plant is considered to be the most powerful healer. It is considered to be a natural antiseptic agent. The main and active substance present in turmeric is curcumin and this substance gives a natural yellow color.

Benefits

1. Natural antiseptic for cuts and burns
2. Helps in weight management
3. Stops the growth of tumor
4. Natural pain killer

Basil

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi is one of the most traditional herbs. Basil is considered to be the best Ayurvedic medicine. This herb contains various nutrients and minerals. It is a natural cure for almost all the diseases like bronchitis, arthritis, skin diseases etc.

Benefits

1. Sharpens memory
2. Cures malaria and other fevers
3. Natural treatment for respiratory disorder
4. Reduces ulcers and other mouth infections

Mint

Mint is one of the most widely used herbs and is known for its strong flavor. It is also used in various perfumes and cosmetics. Due to its strong flavor and aroma, this herb is the best considered to be the best ingredient in most of the healthy beverages. This herb has many nutritional benefits. It contains carotene, iron, magnesium, copper, iron etc.

Benefits

1. Calms heart palpitations
2. Reduces stomach problems
3. Deals with skin irritations
4. Helps in whitening teeth

Thyme

Thyme is a delicate herb which is well known for its culinary and medicinal properties. It acts as a stimulant. Thyme contains the chemical thymol which is used to cure various diseases. Thyme contains various minerals like iron, manganese, calcium etc. It is an effective home remedy and possesses antiseptic properties.

Benefits

1. Remedy for Bronchitis and other respiratory problems
2. Relieves from menstrual pain
3. Aids in digestion
4. Relieves rheumatic pains

Rosemary

Rosemary is a perennial herb which belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. Rosemary is a herb which is best known for its health promoting properties. Thyme and rosemary both herbs displays similar properties.  This herb stimulates immune system and also used as insecticide. It possesses various health benefiting minerals, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals.

Benefits

1. Improves memory power and concentration
2. Controls blood pressure
3. Protects from lung cancer
4. Rosemary oil prevents premature baldness

These are the most amazing benefits of herbs and spices. These spices and herbs are the best natural remedies which possess healing power and found in your kitchen. Maintain a balanced diet chartwhich includes all these spices and herbs. These herbs and spices are also one of the vegetarian foods that boost metabolism.

Note:  If you are under any kind of medication, make sure you are consulting your doctor to prescribe the dosage of the spice. Do not clash your medication with the usage of spices.

12 Health Benefits of Lemons and Limes That You Probably Haven’t Heard of Yet

Lemons and limes belong to the citrus fruit family, known for their high levels of vitamin C content and other essential minerals. Regardless of their acidity and sour taste, these fruits do not acidify the human body but on the contrary, their consumption has an alkaline effect upon it. Citrus fruits’ rinds contain limonene, a compound known to be anti-carcinogenic and liver healthy. It is also used to promote weight loss and treat bronchitis.

Lemon and Lime’s Nutritional Benefits

These citrus fruits are rich in folate, potassium, vitamin C, B6, flavonoids, phytochemicals and limonene. D-Limonene is a compound known to be anti-carcinogenic and to help promote the production of those particular enzymes that have the ability to detoxify carcinogens.

Health Benefits

Lemons and limes contain excellent anticancer and antioxidant properties. In addition, they also contain a high content of antibiotics that are capable of combating against the bacteria present in the body. The following are just a few of lemon and lime’s numerous health benefits:

1. Lemon and lime help you combat common cold:

Combine the juice of two lemons or limes with half a liter of warm water. Add raw honey to taste and consume before you go to bed at night. The anti-viral properties found in lemons and limes will help you to effectively fight against common cold symptoms as well as boost your body’s immune response to fight off the infection.

2. Improve digestion:

The consumption of both lemons and limes can help you relieve indigestion, bloating and foul burping.

3. Relieve constipation:

Relieve your constipation problems by consuming a mix of lime or lemon, a glass of warm water and a small amount of raw honey to add a better taste to this healthy drink. Consume this drink before breakfast, on an empty stomach, to get an instant relief from constipation. Besides constipation relief, your body will also receive an excellent detox.

4. Reduce frequency of heartburn:

Reduce frequent heartburns by consuming a mixture of 2 teaspoons of either fresh lemon or lime juice and a glass of warm water.

5. Combat inflammatory disorders:

Both lemon and lime juice are highly effective in the combat against inflammatory disorders like arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism among others. The consumption of these juices is also associated with a reduced risk of gout, due to lemon and lime’s ability to inhibit the uric acid buildup in the body’s tissues.

6. Treat asthma:

If you have asthma, you can relieve its symptoms by taking a tablespoon of lemon juice an hour before each meal.

7. Reduce swollen gums:

To relieve swollen gums, combine some freshly-squeezed lime juice (diluted) with a pinch of sea salt and consume the resulting mixture. Another thing you can try to relieve this issue is to rub a piece of the albedo of a lime or a lemon (the white flesh under the peel) on your gums. Thus you will reduce their swelling.

8. Relieve sore throat:

Prepare a mixture of warm water and lemon juice (ration 1:1) and gargle with it to obtain an instant relief.

9. Relieve burning heels and soles:

Take a slice of lemon or lime and rub it onto the affected area (sole, feet, heel) to relieve the pain or burning sensation. By doing this, you will also encourage the process of toxin elimination from the pores of your feet.

10. Nourish skin:

Lime and lemon peel help to moisture skin. Therefore, by rubbing dry or scaly skin with a piece of lemon or lime peel, you will provide it with its much needed moisture and it will become soft and supple like never before.

11. Relax your body and help you fall asleep fast:

Soak your feet in a solution of lemon or lime and warm water. Its fresh smell and its cooling and astringent effects will provide you with instant relaxation, making you fall asleep right away.

12. Relieve cholera:

The regular consumption of a cup of lemon or lime juice will help you destroy the cholera bacilli virus. Drink the same amount of water as well. Lemon and lime’s anti-viral properties are highly effective when it comes to this virus and will help you eliminate it within a short period of time.

Extra Juicing Tips

To get the most of your lemon or lime juice, you should include the entire fruit together with its peel. We all know that the peel is the part where harmful ingredients are usually contained, so prior to juicing you should make sure that the fruit is properly washed. Also, try buying 100% organic fruits in order to avoid the consumption of pesticides and GMO lemons and limes.

Using the whole fruit when preparing your juice will surely provide you with all the health benefits the fruit has to offer. The compound we’ve mentioned above, known as limonene, is very high in the white part of the fruit, just under the peel, so by juicing the entire fruit you will get the most of it.

In addition, you can use lemon and lime juice to make ice cubes and add them to other drinks as well. The ice cubes prepared like this can stay refrigerated up to two weeks and after that period they will start losing their taste and potential benefits.

A useful tip when buying lemons, is to look at their stem ends. The number of lines radiating from the stem shows you how high is their mineral content. The greater this number is, the higher their mineral content.

Caution:

You should always consume lemon or lime juice in moderation.

If you notice any allergic reactions to some of these fruits, stop consuming them immediately and consult your healthcare provider.

Friday, May 6, 2016

JOINTFIR OR MORMON TEA PLANT: PROBABLY DOES NOT CONTAIN EPHEDRINE: HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORMON'S TEA

MORMON TEA PLANT, JOINTFIR, EPHEDRA NEVADENSIS 

The evergreen shrub known as Jointfir, or Mormon Tea plant is native to the south-western US. As the Mormons are not allowed to drink coffee because it is a stimulant (containing, as it does, caffeine) the twigs of this plant are used to make a tisane or tea, hence the name. The plant does not have leaves as such but has spiky green twigs, which resemble a fir tree’s needles (for example those of the European silver fir).

  The flowers are reminiscent of those of the Greek mountain tea plant, and these bloom in April through to the end of June. The fruit is a smooth brown nutlet which can be cooked although it tastes bitter, and it may be roasted and ground to make flour for using in making bread.

  This plant is in the Ephedraceae family, making it a close relative of the Sea grape,Ephedra distachya. Because it is in the Ephedra genus, it was supposed that it has the same properties as other plants in that genus; but it seems that this is not the case. This plant contains no, or very few, Ephedra alkaloids, according to the European Food Standards Agency’s (EFSA) report of 2009. That being the case, most of what has been written about the plants’ psychoactive properties online is probably not true.

  Mormon tea is made by taking the twigs of the plant and infusing them to make a tea or tisane. Both the fresh and dried twigs can be used, and for drying purposes the green twigs can be harvested at any time of the year.

  Traditionally the tea was made by Native Americans who used it medicinally as a blood purifier, diuretic and to lower the temperature of the body during fevers. It was also used as a general tonic and for kidney, urinary-genital problems and STDs.

  The plant does not contain ephedrine, or at least, not much, so all the literature regarding this compound does not apply to this particular member of the Ephedra genus.            

  The fruit from the plant can be eaten raw, although it is a little bland, but sweet, and the twigs can be chewed to treat the symptoms of asthma, but not the root cause. It makes respiratory problems easier, but does not cure them.

  There are rarely any side effects if you drink Mormon tea in moderation, although you may experience some if it is drunk to excess.

  The plant does contain the compounds, kynusenates, which have antimicrobial properties, and it is a very effective diuretic and because of this property, it can contribute to weight loss.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Health Benefits Of Kumquats

A small round to oval citrus fruit, the kumquat resembles a tiny orange. The kumquat grows on trees that originated in China. It can be found in California, Florida, the Mediterranean countries, China, Japan, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Peru, and Brazil.

Varieties

Kumquat hybrids, when crossed with other citrus fruits, include the limequat, lemonquat, orangequat, and the calamondin (a cross with the mandarin orange).

Buying and storing tips

Kumquats are occasionally sold with a decorative stem and leaves attached. Avoid fruits with damaged skin and those that feel soft.

Availability

The peak season for kumquats is November through February.

Preparation, Uses, and Tips

In this fruit, the rind is edible, tender, and sweet, while the flesh can be dry and very tart, compared with oranges. Kumquats are usually eaten raw, as whole fruit, excluding the seeds. They make a striking garnish, especially when used with the leaves still attached. As with other citrus fruit, kumquats can be candied, marinated, prepared as marmalade, added to fruit salad, poached, or preserved whole.

Nutritional Highlights

• Kumquat (raw), 1 fruit (19g)
• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0.17g
• Carbohydrate: 3.1g
• Total Fat: 0.02g
• Fiber: 1.25g
• *Good source of: Vitamin C (7.1mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Health benefits and concerns

Allergies and sensitivities (food and chemical)

A low-allergen diet, also known as an elimination diet, is often recommended to people with suspected food allergies in order to find out if avoiding common allergen foods gives relief from symptoms. This diet eliminates foods and food additives considered to be common allergens, including citrus fruits. Some popular books offer guidance to people who want to attempt this type of diet. Most elimination diets are quite restrictive and increase the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies. A successful elimination diet is usually followed by reintroduction of eliminated foods one at a time, to see which ones are truly allergens for the individual person and therefore need to be eliminated indefinitely. Strict avoidance of allergenic foods for a period of time (usually months or years) sometimes results in the foods no longer causing allergic reactions. Restrictive elimination diets and food reintroduction should be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.

Hives

Allergy to foods and food additives is a common cause of hives, especially in chronic cases. Citrus fruits are among those foods most commonly reported to trigger hives. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that diets that are free of foods that commonly trigger allergic reactions typically produce significant reductions in symptoms in 50–75% of people with chronic hives. People with hives should investigate the possibility that food allergies are causing their problem by consulting with a doctor.

Kidney stones

Citric acid is found in citrus fruits and may protect against kidney stone formation. Lemons are the best food source commonly available. One preliminary trial found that drinking 2 liters (approximately 2 quarts) of lemonade per day improved the quality of the urine in ways that are associated with stone prevention. Lemonade was far more effective than orange juice. The lemonade was made by mixing 4 oz lemon juice with enough water to make 2 liters. The smallest amount of sweetener possible should be added to make the taste acceptable. Further study is necessary, however, to determine if lemonade can prevent recurrence of kidney stones

Friday, April 8, 2016

Health Benefits of Eggs

Some of the many health benefits of eggs include their ability to balance nutrient intake in the body, lower “bad” cholesterol levels, increase cognitive function, protect the heart, prevent eye disease, detoxify the body, prevent certain cancers, help you lose weight, and guarantee proper growth and development.

Eggs

Eggs are some of the most fascinating parts of our diet, simply because they themselves are so unique. Eggs are reproductive shells laid by females of numerous species, including fish, reptiles, and, in terms of human nutrition, birds. While fish eggs are also eaten in a number of cultural dishes and national cuisines, bird eggs are the most commonly consumed variety of eggs by humans, and out of bird eggs, chicken eggs are by and large the most popular. Eggs have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years, as they were discovered early on in our cultural development as a safe and beneficial form of food that could be acquired and cultivated along with a second form of food – chicken.

Eggs have become a staple part of diets across the world, as they are not only a food source in and of themselves, but they also function in the creation of hundreds of other meals and ingredients necessary for cooking a limitless range of food. The question is, besides its widespread availability, why have eggs become such an inherent part of global cuisine? Eggs are unique in their protein content, as they are rich with the “stuff of life”, which would have developed into a baby chick, and eventually, a chicken, which is another key food in human diets. The list of foods in which eggs can be found would be an article all by itself, but suffice to say that eggs constitute an essential part of the human diet for a number of reasons, and should definitely be considered when trying to eat right.

Nutritional Value of Eggs

Eggs are so widely loved and used because they provide a powerhouse of nutrients inside their tiny package. There are enough nutrients in an egg to develop a single cell into a baby chick, and we need many of those same nutrients! Eggs contain significant levels of vitamin A, B-complex vitamins,vitamin D, E, and K, as well as phosphorous, selenium, calcium, and zinc. Furthermore, eggs also have various key organic compounds, such as omega-3s, antioxidants, and protein.

Health Benefits of Eggs

Growth and Development: There is a reason why eggs are such an important food staple in our formative years; it seems like breakfast almost always contained an egg while we were young! The high concentration of protein, as well as other essential vitamins, means that our bodies can develop at a normal rate and get all of the necessary nutrients to grow properly and set young people on a trajectory for lifelong health. Protein is necessary for cell creation, which means that every part of our body, every organ, hair, blood vessel, and bone in some way relies on protein to exist. Also, protein is necessary for repair and regrowth, so it is a lifelong necessity for us that we can acquire through eggs!

Heart Health: While there has been significant criticism in recent decades about the potential dangers of eggs onheart health, due to its admittedly high content of cholesterol, many people don’t look at the type of cholesterol, nor its effect on the body. Most studies have actually shown eggs to protect against strokes and improve heart health, as the “good cholesterol” (HDL cholesterol) levels increase, which can help to eliminate “bad cholesterol” in the body. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, eggs help to avoid atherosclerosis, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular conditions!

Weight Loss Efforts: Since eggs are so full of those important proteins that our body needs for development, eggs also tend to be a very satisfying and filling form of food. They provide energy and nutrient stability in our body and satisfies our hunger. Eggs can be a great way to get the healthy balance you need without consuming excess calories, which is a great way to lose weight or keep your weight down.

Cognitive Effects: One of the lesser known benefits of eggs is its impact on cognitive health, primarily due to the high levels of choline present. Choline is often grouped with B-vitamins, but in fact, it is a somewhat unknown nutrient that helps to create critical neural pathways in the brain. About 90% of the population is estimated to get less choline than the body requires, but whole eggs supplies choline in large quantities!

Antioxidant Activity: It seems as though any food with antioxidant capacity is considered healthy, but many people forget that eggs contain various antioxidants, including vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin A works as an antioxidant in a number of areas in the body, but works particularly well with lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes to protect against macular degeneration and the development of cataracts. Antioxidants are able to seek out free radicals and neutralize those dangerous particles (formed as byproducts of cellular metabolism) before they can cause oxidative stress on body organs, resulting in chronis diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Rare Minerals: The mineral composition of eggs is wonderful, but it is also unique, in that it can be difficult to obtain certain minerals, like iodine and selenium, in our diets. Eggs are so versatile and universal that we can almost unconsciously stay balanced by eating eggs, ensuring that the those rare minerals keep our antioxidant activity up (selenium) and maintain healthy hormonal functioning in our thyroid (iodine).

Importance of Cage-Free and Free Range Eggs

All of these important health benefits are derived, in part, from the condition in which the hen was raised. The diet that the mother hen has will obviously be reflected in the nutrient content of the egg. For that reason, it is a far better choice to consume pasture-fed eggs, as they have consistently been shown to have higher omega-3 content, vitamin E content, tend to be larger, and are more densely packed with nutrients.

While the price tag might be slightly higher for organic, free-range, or cage-free eggs, if you are serious about getting the most health benefits out of eggs that you can, dig a bit deeper in your pockets for those extra coins.

A Few Words of Warning

While eggs are obviously major sources of nutrients for the human population, there is a high level of cholesterol in them, which can be dangerous for people suffering from hypercholesterolemia and certain gene disorders should be cautious. Furthermore, some studies have shown an increase in negative effects between Type II diabetes patients and excessive egg consumption, but further study on that point still needs to be conducted.